Violence not affecting Boko Haram amnesty talks —Panel

May 15, 2013 : Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

Mr. Kabiru Turaki | credits: www.specialdutiesoffice.gov.ng

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, Mr. Kabiru Turaki (SAN), on Tuesday said the continued violence being recorded in Baga, Bama and other parts of the North had not in any way affected the committee’s work.

He also said the latest video released by the violent Islamic sect, Boko Haram, where its leader, Sheikh Abubakar Shekau, said the sect would continue to hold women, young girls and ladies hostage until relatives of members in custody were released, was not an indication that the group was disposed to dialogue.

Turaki spoke with State House correspondents shortly after leading other members of the committee to meet with President Goodluck Jonathan in continuation of their consultation with critical stakeholders on the violence in parts of the country.

While describing the continued violence as multi-dimensional,Turaki, who is also the Minister of Special Duties, said the committee had not considered the issue since it was not affecting its activities.

“The past events (continued violence) have not in any way derailed our programme. They have not derailed our resoluteness, resolution and desire and intention to make sure we get to the root of this problem. We have not been affected by recent happenings,” he said.

Turaki said having watched the Boko Haram’s latest video, his opinion was that what Shekau said was not different from what the committee was doing.

He said there was no indication that the sect was opposed to dialogue.

He said, “I have watched the video clip and from my own understanding I think what Imam Abubakar Shekau is saying is not different from what the committee is doing.

“There is no indication to say that they are not amenable to settlement or dialogue. Now, Jama’a people are people who believe that they will live by the teachings of the Prophet as enshrined in the provisions of the Qur’an.

“Now, the Qur’an specifically says that sulh (dialogue, negotiation or settlement), has a lot values, and in fact Muslims are encouraged to enter into dialogue.

“When we sit down to negotiate, it does not mean that everybody will get or must get what they wants. There would be give-and-take at the end of day. The most fundamental thing is, from my own understanding, that the Jama’a people are not averse to dialogue and settlement of the dispute, sitting down to discuss.”

On when to meet Shekau as part of the consultation, Turaki said it would not be in the committee’s interest to disclose its modus operandi.

He said he would not want those they were dialoguing with to see it as if they were being betrayed.

The minister recalled that earlier attempts at negotiating with the sect were truncated by the public utterances of the actors.

He said the committee had resolved to be secretive as possible not because they did not want members of the public to know about what they were doing but because they felt that they had not reached the level where members of the public would be given full details.

Turaki said having met the President, the committee members would proceed to state governors, traditional rulers, leaders of the frontline states and the clergy.

He added that they would visit and inspect the epicentres of the crisis and visit the victims, as Victims Support Programme was part of their responsibility and recommendations.

He said, “What we have been doing now is laying the foundation, and unless we lay a strong foundation, you may have problems. I am satisfied and convinced that we are still on course and that we are still working within the time frame. What will happen tomorrow, I do not know but for now I know we are on course. We are on target.”

About 24 of the 26 members of the committee attended the meeting with the President, which started at about 10.10am.

Those who attended the meeting alongside the President were his Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim; National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.); as well as presidential aides like Mr. Oronto Douglas and Dr. Reuben Abati.

The committee, which was inaugurated on August 24 has three months to carry out its assignments that include developing a framework for the granting of amnesty; setting up of a framework through which disarmament could take place within a 60-day time frame; developing of a comprehensive victims’ support programme; and developing mechanisms to address the underlying causes of insurgencies that will help to prevent future occurrences.

Quran,,encouraged entering into dialogue,,after killing thousands of christians,,these evil men in human flesh do not deserve any kind of amnesty,,

precious omoruyi

liars!

Don Corleone

Why are these guys desperate with this amnesty stuff. The suppose Boko Haram leader said they don’t need it, to prove it, they went ahead to kill innocent people in Baga and Bama which Lai Mohammed in his usual lying characteristic accuses security agent of. I actually don’t know what become of the ACN lying spoke man of his claim that soldiers where responsible for the killings in Baga after Boko Haram leader Shekau Abulbakar said yesterday they where responsible for the Baga killings. It’s very clear that the ACN and their lying spoke man are now nuisance in Nigeria politics. Thank God for the wisdom Mr. President is using for these lying elements calling themselves opposition by keeping mute over their allegations and they’re gradually exposing their deceitful character to the Nigerian public. Then if Boko Haram leader said they don’t need the amnesty, why the desperation for the amnesty by the committee members? Or is it an avenue to make money for 2015 election? Just look at what this guy is saying, does he thinks he’s talking to foolish people?

AZ

‘He said, “I have watched the video clip and from my own understanding I think what Imam Abubakar Shekau is saying is not different from what the committee is doing”‘. You called a terrorist leader an Imam? Are you kidding me? I thought “Imam” was an Islamic leadership position. How could a bloodthirsty ideological bigot merit such appellation? Next time, some kidnapping kingpin will be addressed as a pastor. Religion has really made us absolutely crazy. How could any one justify these killings going on in the land “in the name of God”. When will all these misguided adherents of different business and political empires called religions, allow God to defend him or herself? We pick up arms and kill neighbours we’ve known and grown up with all because of senseless religious injunctions or ideology. Yet none of these people have ever seen God. How could they claim to love or work for God when all there is in their hollow heart is hatred for people who do not share their belief. Religion is a disease. Religion is cancer and it’s killing every people, community and nation it has afflicted. How do you ever want to grant amnesty to someone who is ready to kill other people and die in the darkness of their humanity perception? Whatever amnesty is already dead on arrival but at least, the “leaders” in the high places will have money to share, blood money I must add, and it’ll never result in any good outcome.

Olayori

A perfect example of clueless Leaders. Why hold talks with BK when there is no cease-fire? It doesn’t make sense. Talks to happen when they haven’t showed any sign of quiting.

Aniyi

If FG is bent on this amnesty issue, then let them come up with a deadline date. I pray that God will bring out the lion in GEJ, and rules with the power and might of God. Granting amnesty to these group simply means FG is promoting terrorism in the country. A leopard cannot change its skin

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